Richard Mille: 7 Extraordinary Watches from the Sotheby’s Archive

Richard Mille is a name that has become synonymous with avant-garde design, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking horology. Since its founding in 2001, the brand has revolutionized the watch industry with its use of high-tech materials, bold aesthetics, and uncompromising performance. Inspired by Formula 1 engineering and aerospace innovation, Richard Mille timepieces are known for their resilience, extreme precision, and futuristic appeal.
Over the years, the brand has formed close collaborations with elite athletes, racing legends, and cultural icons, solidifying its status as the pinnacle of modern luxury watchmaking.

Sotheby’s has had the privilege of auctioning some of the most remarkable Richard Mille watches, each with its own unique story, technical brilliance, and collector appeal. Below, we explore seven standout Richard Mille models that Sotheby’s has brought to market, showcasing the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.

This Richard Mille RM27-03 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal sold for 1,008,000 USD in December 2022. This timepiece exemplifies Richard Mille’s dedication to blending performance with avant-garde materials. Limited to just 50 pieces, this striking timepiece was crafted from red and yellow Quartz TPT—a material celebrated for its durability and lightness. Its bold color scheme pays tribute to Rafael Nadal's Spanish heritage, while the yellow crown, designed to resemble a tennis ball, further reflects the influence of the tennis champion.

Beyond its visual appeal, the watch boasts remarkable engineering, capable of withstanding 10,000g’s of shock. The semi-skeletonized dial reveals a titanium bridge stylized as a bull's head, a nod to Nadal’s emblem. Accompanied by its original Richard Mille presentation box, warranty, and book, this timepiece remains a true collector’s dream.

This Richard Mille Pablo Mac Donough Reference RM053 sold for 7,620,000 HKD in October 2023. Designed for Argentine polo player Pablo Mac Donough, the RM053 was built to endure the intense physical demands of the sport. This timepiece features an armored titanium case with a distinctive design that protects the movement from high-impact shocks. The unique dial openings, angled at 30 degrees, allow for optimal readability during a match, highlighting Richard Mille's commitment to functionality.

A skeletonized tourbillon ensures precision by counteracting gravitational effects on the balance wheel, making it an exceptional technical feat. Complete with its original box and warranty, this watch is a perfect fusion of sport and sophistication.

This Richard Mille RM012 AG Pt Proto1 sold for 609,600 GBP in February 2023. As the first of three prototypes, this platinum skeletonized tourbillon was revolutionary in both design and execution. The movement and case were constructed as a single entity, a remarkable engineering feat that pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

Accompanied by a letter from Richard Mille detailing the challenges of its production, this prototype is a rare find, offering a glimpse into the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection. With its unique provenance and extraordinary craftsmanship, the RM012 Proto1 remains a coveted piece for serious collectors.

This Richard Mille RM029 Le Mans Classic Reference RM029 sold for 2,413,000 HKD in October 2023. This model was a tribute to the prestigious vintage sports car event co-founded by Richard Mille. Limited to just 150 pieces, this model features a carbon fiber and quartz fiber case in the event’s signature green and white color scheme. The skeletonized movement, crafted from grade 5 titanium, showcases the brand’s material innovation.

This timepiece also featured a 24-hour indication with a blue arrow marking the traditional 4 PM start time of the Le Mans race. Its blend of sportiness and style embodied the Richard Mille brand’s ethos of pushing the boundaries of both design and performance.

This Richard Mille Reference RM002 sold for 2,540,000 HKD in April 2023. This watch represents a milestone in Richard Mille’s history as the second watch ever produced by the brand. It was the first tourbillon watch with a titanium baseplate, revolutionizing the industry with its lightweight yet robust construction.

A function selector, inspired by a car’s gearbox, adds to its motorsport DNA. This well-preserved example, complete with its original baby blue strap, showcases the brand’s groundbreaking innovations that continue to influence luxury watchmaking today.

This Richard Mille Reference RM11-03 sold for 2,032,000 HKD in October 2023. This Richard Mille watch was a powerhouse within the Richard Mille collection, known for its versatility and complex functionality. Crafted from carbon fiber and titanium, this watch features the RMAC3 caliber with a flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and a 55-hour power reserve. Its camouflage-patterned case underscores the brand’s commitment to bold aesthetics and technical prowess.

Accompanied by its original warranty, instruction manual, and presentation box, the RM11-03 is a prime example of Richard Mille’s fusion of intricate mechanics and striking design.

This Richard Mille Reference RM055 Bubba Watson Red Drive sold for 254,000 USD in March 2023. This was a limited edition created exclusively for the Americas in collaboration with the PGA Tour-winning golfer. Unlike its predecessors, this model features a sleek black titanium case with bold red accents. The skeletonized movement, treated with PVD and Titalyt, enhances its stealthy appearance.

With only 30 pieces ever produced, this model is exceptionally rare. This particular example, numbered 30/30, was auctioned with a full suite of accessories, making it a prized collector’s piece.

These seven extraordinary Richard Mille watches from the Sotheby’s archive are more than just timepieces; they are masterpieces of modern horology. Each model tells a story of innovation, technical brilliance, and artistic vision—whether through groundbreaking materials, collaborations with sporting legends, or revolutionary design elements. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, Richard Mille represents the pinnacle of contemporary luxury watchmaking, redefining what is possible in the world of haute horology.

Each Richard Mille watch is built using aerospace-grade materials like carbon TPT and titanium, paired with highly complex movements and limited production. This fusion of innovation, exclusivity, and engineering mastery makes them among the most expensive modern timepieces in the world.

Yes. Due to their scarcity, technical innovation, and strong collector demand, many Richard Mille models not only retain but often appreciate in value, frequently achieving record results at auction.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of haute horology, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Richard Mille timepieces on the secondary market.

• Expertly Vetted Selection
  Explore rare and iconic Richard Mille watches, from highly collectible entry-level pieces starting around $80,000 to the most intricate and limited-edition complications commanding significantly higher prices.
• Exclusive Global Access
  Shop Richard Mille watches through Sotheby’s auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors.
• Flexible Ways to Buy
  Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, London, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated watch concierge to source specific Richard Mille models.
• Exceptional Value
  Every Richard Mille watch is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value, whether it’s a sporty RM 011 or a tourbillon-equipped RM 56-02.
• Constantly Evolving Inventory
  Discover vintage and modern Richard Mille watches across all price points, with new pieces added regularly to both auctions and Buy Now offerings.

• Browse Sotheby’s upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
• Shop Sotheby’s Buy Now Richard Mille watches for instant access to available inventory
• Speak with a Sotheby’s watch specialist to consign or request a valuation for a Richard Mille watch

Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.

Shop Richard Mille Watches

Type: retail

Richard Mille

Richard Mille (Reference RM016). A rose gold skeletonized automatic wristwatch. circa 2018

117,650 USD

Type: retail

Richard Mille

Richard Mille (Reference RM016). A rose gold diamond-set automatic wristwatch. circa 2017

91,100 USD

Type: retail

Richard Mille

Richard Mille 'Ester Ledecká' (Reference RM 07-04). A 45x31mm unworn Carbon TPT® automatic wristwatch with function indicator. 2025

312,700 USD

Type: retail

Richard Mille

Richard Mille Carbon TPT (Reference RM 037). A rose gold and black carbon diamond-set automatic wristwatch with oversized date and function selector.

258,200 USD

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